Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Buckeye, AZ?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Buckeye, Arizona. Under Arizona state law (A.R.S. § 9-500.39), cities and towns in Arizona cannot prohibit vacation rentals or short-term rentals. Buckeye follows this state preemption, allowing STR operations while imposing certain regulatory requirements to ensure public health, safety, and community welfare.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Buckeye, AZ

Step 1: Register Your Property

All residential rental properties in Buckeye must be registered with the Maricopa County Assessor's Office as rental properties with the City of Buckeye. This registration is mandatory regardless of whether the rental is short-term or long-term. Failure to register can result in daily fines of up to $150.

Step 2: Obtain Required Licenses

• Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License: Required from the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR)
• Seasonal TPT License: For properties operated seasonally
• Local Business License: Contact the City of Buckeye for specific requirements

Step 3: Compliance Setup

• Establish emergency contact procedures
• Implement appropriate liability insurance (minimum $500,000 coverage)
• Prepare required notifications to neighboring properties
• Set up systems for tax collection and remittance

Step 4: Marketing and Operations

• Obtain and display required permit/license numbers on all advertisements
• Establish booking procedures (direct or through Online Lodging Marketplaces)
• Implement property management protocols

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Licenses and Permits

1. County Residential Rental Registration

• Register with Maricopa County Assessor's Office
• Must be completed before offering property for rent
• Daily fines up to $150 for non-compliance

2. Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

• Required from Arizona Department of Revenue
• Register at AZTaxes.gov
• Must include TPT license number on all advertisements
• Can be seasonal for properties operated part-time

3. Local Regulatory Permit/License (if required by Buckeye) Buckeye may require a local regulatory permit. The application must include only:

• Owner/agent name, address, phone, and email
• Property address
• Proof of compliance with fire/safety codes
• Emergency contact information
• Acknowledgment of compliance with applicable laws
• Fee not exceeding actual costs or $250, whichever is less

4. Liability Insurance

• Minimum $500,000 aggregate coverage required
• Or proof that property is advertised through an OLM with equal or greater coverage

Required Information and Documentation

Emergency Contact Requirements:

• Provide emergency contact information for owner or designee
• Contact must be available to respond to complaints/emergencies in person, by phone, or email at any time
• Must be provided before offering property for rent

Neighbor Notification:

• Before first-time rental, notify all single-family residential properties:
  • Adjacent properties
  • Directly across the street
  • Diagonally across the street
• Provide attestation of notification compliance including:
  • Permit/license number
  • Address of each property notified
  • Method of notification
  • Contact information of person attesting compliance

Property Insurance Documentation:

• Maintain minimum $500,000 liability insurance
• Document insurance coverage for compliance verification

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Buckeye Regulations

Tax Rates and Requirements:

• Residential rentals 30+ consecutive days: City tax rate 2.0%
• Short-term rentals (<30 days): Combined city/state rate of 13.27%
  • City rate: 6.0% (Hotel/Motel Code 044 at 3% + Transient Lodging Code 144 at 3%)
  • State/County rate: 7.27% (Code 025)
• Online Lodging Marketplace (OLM) Requirements: 100% of OLM income should be deducted using deduction code 775

Tax Filing Requirements:

• Must file TPT returns even for $0 income periods
• Must maintain own TPT license even when using OLM
• Report all income received for property rental (including security deposits, cancellation fees, housekeeping fees when non-refundable)

State of Arizona Regulations (A.R.S. § 9-500.39)

Allowed Municipal Regulations:

• Health and safety rules (fire, building, health, sanitation, traffic control, waste/pollution)
• Use and zoning ordinances (noise, welfare, property maintenance, nuisance)
• Restrictions on illegal activities (sex offender housing, sober living homes, illegal drugs, liquor control, adult businesses)
• Emergency contact information requirements
• Local regulatory permit/license requirements (with limited application requirements)
• Neighbor notification requirements
• Advertisement display requirements
• Liability insurance requirements
• Owner residency requirements for accessory dwelling units (effective September 14, 2024)

Prohibited Municipal Actions:

• Cannot prohibit vacation rentals or short-term rentals
• Cannot restrict based on classification, use, or occupancy (except as specified)
• Cannot impose additional requirements beyond those specified in state law

Permit/License Suspension Grounds:

• Three verified violations within twelve months (excluding aesthetic, waste, parking violations not threatening health/safety)
• One verified violation involving:
  • Felony offense by owner/designee
  • Serious physical injury or wrongful death
  • Knowingly housing sex offenders or allowing prohibited uses
  • Allowing use for special events requiring permits

Civil Penalties Structure:

• First violation: Up to $500 or one night's rent (whichever greater)
• Second violation: Up to $1,000 or two nights' rent (whichever greater)
• Third+ violation: Up to $3,500 or three nights' rent (whichever greater)
• Monthly penalties for failure to obtain required permits: Up to $1,000

County Requirements

Maricopa County Assessor Registration:

• All residential rental properties must be registered
• Properties not correctly identified or registered face penalties and fines
• Registration must be maintained throughout rental operation

Contact Information

City of Buckeye

Main Contact:

• Address: 530 E. Monroe Ave., Buckeye, AZ 85326
• Phone: 623-349-6000
• The Landing: 945 N. 215th Ave. Suite 137, Buckeye, AZ 85326
• Phone: 623-349-6200
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Website: www.buckeyeaz.gov

Business Licensing:

• Address: Business Licenses Division, City of Buckeye
• Phone: 623-349-6000
• For business license applications and fee information

Transaction Privilege Tax:

• Phone: 623-349-6000
• For local tax questions and compliance

Arizona Department of Revenue (State)

Main Office:

• Address: 1600 West Monroe Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
• Phone: (602) 255-3381
• Website: azdor.gov

Short-Term Rental Specific:

• Phone: (602) 716-RENT(7368)
• Email: residentialrental@azdor.gov
• Online: AZTaxes.gov for TPT licensing and filing

Maricopa County Assessor

Rental Registration:

• Website: mcassessor.maricopa.gov
• For residential rental property registration requirements and forms

Important Links to Source Pages

City of Buckeye:

• Residential Rental Properties FAQ
• Business License Information
• Transaction Privilege Tax Information

Arizona Department of Revenue:

• Short-Term Lodging Guidelines
• AZTaxes.gov Portal
• Residential Rental Guidelines

Arizona State Legislature:

• A.R.S. § 9-500.39 - Vacation Rental Regulations
• A.R.S. § 42-5070 - Transient Lodging

County Resources:

• Maricopa County Assessor Rental Registration

This guide provides a comprehensive framework for establishing and maintaining compliant short-term rental operations in Buckeye, Arizona, ensuring investors understand both the opportunities and obligations in this market.